12 Characteristics of an Effective Leader

POSTED DALE ROACH

What is the character of an effective leader?

An strong leader has specific, fundamental, visionary, characteristics. A healthy leader aims to translate their “vision” into reality. 

So, how is this done? 

Here are twelve characteristics of an effective leader to consider.

1.  An Effective Leader is a Risk-Taker

An active leader attempts to bring about significant changes.  These changes are not without risks.  As we get older facing changes and challenges is a part of life.  How we deal with changes and problems reflects on who we are and how we will grow as a leader.

A strong leader is very creative.  They will try new approaches even if it presents possible failure.  Effective leaders recognize that failure is only a temporary setback that gives a clear understanding of what not to do in the future.  The overall attitude of a risk-taking leader is that “You ultimately fail when you don’t give it a try!”

Helen Keller was born in 1882.  She became ill as a young child and was struck blind, deaf and mute.  In 1887, Keller had a teacher named Anne Sullivan who helped her make tremendous progress in her ability to communicate. As she grew up under Sullivan’s coaching, she went on to college, graduating in 1904.   One of Keller’s famous quotes showed her as a risk-taker.  She said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

2.  An Effective Leader has Self-control

Strong leaders know that their ability to stay calm, even in the worst of conflicts, is a character trait that must be nurtured and grown.  The effective leader’s mantra is, “When you lose your temper, you lose.”

Stephen Covey pointed out that there is a distinct character in those who express self-control.  He said, “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage – pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically – to say ‘no’ to other things.  And the way to do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.  The enemy of the ‘best’ is often the ‘good.”

Self-control will determine what is most important.

3.  An Effective Leader is a Caring Individual

Strong leadership can never take place if those we lead think we do not care.  Leaders should show a caring attitude about the mission of their organization. However, their concern for each team member must take priority over everything else.

When a leader cares about those they lead they show behavior that is consistently acknowledging others. An active leader who cares is one who maintains eye contact during a conversation.  This type of leader asks many questions and listens more than they talk.  A caring leader desires the feedback and opinions of those they lead.

Due to the caring nature of this type of leader, they regularly compliment people in public and private settings.  This type of leader also expresses genuine interest in the lives of those they lead.

4.  An Effective Leader is Modest

Self-evaluation is a stable characteristic of an effective leader.  A good leader does not have a problem with being evaluated or receiving criticism.  No one enjoys being corrected, but an active leader sees it for what it is: an opportunity for personal growth.

5.  An Effective Leader is Balanced

A good leader does not ignore any area of their own life.  They understand that to do well; they must keep up good health, physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.

A healthy leader understands that to be a balanced leader; it is necessary to:

1. Rest, and get enough sleep
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Exercise on a regular basis
4. Work hard on developing healthy social skills and interaction
5. Grow personal skills and talents

The overriding goal of a strong leader is to go at all areas of life in a balanced fashion.

6.  An Effective Leader is Resolute

A strong leader must make wise decisions.  They must also be willing to listen to wise counsel.  A strong leader is determined and admirably purposeful.  There is a strong character of unwavering determination.

The word resolute describes a characteristic of firmness and determination.  This type of person is clear, especially in purpose and belief. Quickness can also characterize a determined leader.

7.  An Effective Leader is Motivational

A motivational leader enjoys their task.  They are optimisticabout their purpose.  Change requires taking risks, personal growth, and challenges.  A motivational leader does not back down from a problem but is willing to lead the way as an inspirational leader.

8.  An Effective Leader is a Clear Communicator

It is essential to understand that communication is not solely conversation. An excellentcommunicator aims to make sure that their message is understood.  The skill of communication grows from the ability to listen.  Listening is as critical as talking. A good leader listens more than they talk.

9.  An Effective Leader is a Visionary

A leader must be a dreamer.   A productive leader is someone who can see into the future.  The challenge for every visionary leader is not to get so far ahead of the team in what they know that they leave them behind.  This behavior causes a group to feel lost and wondering about the future direction.  A visionary is a dreamer, but they are also a strong communicator of their dream.

Effective leadership has specific, basic, visionary, characteristics. A strong leader aims to translate their “vision” into reality. 

10.  An Effective Leader has a Sense of Humor

Good leaders take their work seriously. However, they do not mind laughing at themselves.  A healthy leader does not have a problem in finding humor in their mistakes or blunders.  A productive leader knows that laughter is good for the soul.  A humorous person can lead a team even through the most challenging times.

Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”  William Arthur Ward put it this way, “A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.”

11.  An Effective Leader is Ethical

A strong leader has a strong moral base.  There is no question about their character.  What you see is what you get.  There is nothing more defeatist than a dishonest or lying leader.  A strong leader has strong convictions.

Ethical living and leadership will take courage and conviction. It means doing the right thing, even when the right thing isn’t popular or easy to accomplish. When a leader makes decisions based on core values, then it makes a clear statement that they cannot be bought.  The effective, ethical, leader leads by example.

12.  An Effective Leader is Dedicated to the “Cause”

Being an effective leader is not easy. However, it is necessary for the success of any organization or team.  Dedication is key. Being able to convey a commitment to a clear purpose and cause is essential.  The influential leader will communicate the “cause” as often as possible.

The passion of the cause fuels real dedication of a strong leader. If there is no passion, then there is no motivation for the cause.

Every successful team needs an EFFECTIVE LEADER!  All leaders should ask a simple question of themselves, “Am I an effective leader?”  This question can be answered by considering these 12 characteristics of an effective leader.

Dale Roach

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” ~ Philippians 2:3-4

Source: https://likeateam.com/12-characteristics-of-an-effective-leader/

Salvation prayer

Salvation Prayer

Father in Heaven, thankyou for sending Your son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay for my sins. I can never thankyou enough for your grace, mercy and love.  Please lead and direct me in the way you have for me to go come into my heart and life as my personal Savior. I want to be your humble servant, Amen.

Dear God, I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to change and turn from my sin. I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior.

The Bible says there is one way to Heaven. Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6) This one way is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior and follow God's plans for our life which are laid out in the Bible.

Good works cannot save you. Faith in Jesus alone can save you.

For by grace you are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

How should you accept Christ as your Savior ?  Asking a pastor, a Christian religious leader, a missionary, or even someone who is Christian may also be very helpful to you in order to achieve your goal in getting introduced to Jesus.

The ABC's of salvation prayer

Admit you are a sinner

Believe that you have sinned against God , admit that you are a sinner and that you need God's help and that Jesus can save you. Because we are all born sinful, we are unable in our own strength and morality, to please a perfect God. Sin is any act that displeases God, as sin separates us from God, who is perfect, such that the payment we are to pay for sin is spiritual death permanent separation from God. Spiritual Death entered into the world when Adam sinned.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) 

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12) 

"If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:10) 

"Ask God's forgiveness and repend of your sins. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

Be willing to change your mind and turn from your sin (repent).

Jesus said: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)

Believe in Jesus 

Put your trust in Him as your only hope of salvation.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whomever believes in Him shall not perish bu have eternal life." John 3:16

But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 

Become a child of God by recieving Christ.

"To all who received Him,to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 

Jesus died to pay for the sins of man. However, He rose again, conquering death and making it possible to be saved.

Confess Jesus is your Lord

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved
Romans 10:9-10

Talk to God in your own words. There is no protocol to follow in order to talk to God. God listens to your prayers even if you do not say them. God likes to hear you seek His help and His forgiveness.

https://m.wikihow.com/Accept-Jesus-Into-Your-Life

https://m.wikihow.com/Accept-Christ-As-Your-Savior

10 types of shots every filmmaker should be using

Here are the 10 types of shots every filmmaker should be using — and how these shots can help you tell your project’s story.

Filmmaking is storytelling. There are infinite stories to tell — as well as ways to tell them. Filmmaking as an art form gives us a way to find our voices through images and sound. So, it’s important to know the basics of filmmaking when you start this search. Let’s dive into the essential shots and what each can add to your story.

1. Medium Shot

The medium shot is your standard, conversational, waist-up, framed shot. This will be your go-to shot when filming your actors. This shot represents the viewer’s perspective from a conversational distance. If you’re ever going to shoot an interview or dialogue scene, stick with the medium shot.

Some cinematographers have truly mastered the medium shot — like Roger Deakins and Robert Elswit. How you present your characters on the screen starts with meaningful and intentional framing.

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2. Close-Up

The close-up shot is your go-to move for any emotional, dramatic scene that needs to convey what the characters are thinking to the audience. The frame should be tight on the head and face — the top of the head should touch the top of the frame. You can pull off one of these shots by using any type of lens with a focal length of 50mm and higher. Anything less might create some lens compression, which would warp the image ever so slightly.

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3. Medium Close-Up

If the medium shot is from the waist up, and the close-up shot is tight on the character’s face, the medium close-up shot is from the torso up. This shot is perfect for capturing reactions. Think of it as an emotional payoff for your character and the audience. This framing is a good way to feel close to your character and subject, as there is not much room to move, and it helps bring the viewer into the scene that much more.

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4. Extreme Close-Up

You’ll know when you see an extreme close-up shot. It’s usually something small (or a small feature on someone’s face) made huge. This type of shot is usually for directing attention to a specific object or motion. There’s no hidden meaning behind these shots, as the director is basically telling the audience exactly what to look at.

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5. Wide/Long Shot

The wide shot is perfect for any action scene. The whole purpose of a wide shot is to capture as much information as possible, showing the audience the characters’ world. You can really show off your set — and locations — by using the wide shot to add production value and depth.

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6. Extreme Wide/Long Shot

Take the wide shot and amplify it by 10. The extreme wide shot is meant to wow your audience, putting your visuals on impressive display. Extreme wides can be aerials, as well as tracking shots — just make sure your characters are the smallest part of the shot. It’s all about the scale and the scope of what’s happening in the story. Drones are perfect tools for capturing the most impressive, most extreme wide shots.

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7. Establishing Shot

Establishing shots are basically extreme wide shots. However, they are arguably more important than any other shot in this list. They’re a brilliant way to set the scene, letting the audience know where your characters are and where the story is taking place. The best part about pulling off a convincing establishing shot is that you don’t actually have to abide by the establishing shot. You can tell the audience your film takes place in a skyscraper, while in reality, you shot the bulk of your scenes in your apartment. It’s just about setting the scene, and adding to your script — without relying on exposition or dialogue.

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8. The Long Take

One of the best ways to fully immerse your audience into the world you’ve created is to pull off a convincing long take. The long take can be a great way to showcase your camera work — and to put your actors’ talent on display. It’s essentially the closest film gets to theater, in its purest form — a non-stop take that plays out in real time. If you’ve seen movies like Children of Men and Birdman, you know exactly how much intensity and realism a long take can add to a scene.

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9. Crash Zoom

There’s nothing better than a good, well-timed crash zoom. Zooming in fast on your characters is a fun and effective way to bring the attention to whatever you want to highlight. (There’s no looking away from whatever you decide to crash on.) Usually, this shot is for comedic effect. However, it’s also an extremely popular technique for demonstrating scale and cinéma vérité-esque camerawork.

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10. Point-of-View

Now, obviously point-of-view shots have been used over and over again, with found footage films like The Blair Witch Project. This shot puts the camera in the hands of the audience — showing the world from your character’s perspective. They can feel and see everything the character sees, creating empathy for your protagonist. I recommend trying this one out. It’s hard to pull it off, but when it’s done right, nothing compares.

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